Screening device for screening plant specimens

ABSTRACT

A screening device ( 110 ) for screening at least one plant specimen ( 112 ) in a plurality of plant specimens ( 114 ) is disclosed. The screening device ( 110 ) comprises a detector ( 116 ) adapted for acquiring spatially resolved images ( 117 ). The screening device ( 110 ) further comprises at least one selection device ( 118 ) adapted for selecting a single plant specimen ( 120 ) or a group of plant specimens ( 122 ) from the plurality of plant specimens ( 114 ) for imaging by the detector ( 116 ). The selection device ( 118 ) comprises a deflection device ( 124 ) adapted for deflecting electromagnetic waves propagating between the plant specimens ( 112 ) and the detector ( 116 ).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.14/129,449 filed Dec. 26, 2013, which is a national stage application(under 35 U.S.C. §371) of PCT/IB2012/053194, filed Jun. 25, 2012, whichclaims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/501,297, filedJun. 27, 2011, and European Application No. 11171568.6, filed Jun. 27,2011. The entire content of each aforementioned application is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a screening device and a method for screeningat least one plant specimen in a plurality of plant specimens. Theinvention further relates to a tracking method for tracking growthconditions of a plurality of plant specimens, use of the screeningdevice in a method for improved growing of plant specimens, a method forphenotyping, for selecting the most desired genotypes based on phenotypescoring, and to a method for rapid analysis of stress resistance ofgrowing plant specimens.

Devices and methods of this kind may be applied in all fields ofagricultural research and manufacturing and in all fields of chemicaland/or biological technology related to plants and plant specimens.Preferably, the device and methods according to the present inventionmay be applied to the technical field of testing of plants and testingof methods for treatment of plants, such as one or more of: testingand/or evaluation of optimum growth conditions; testing of resistance ofplants against specific types of stress; testing of specific fertilizersand/or nutrients; the selection and/or breeding of plants having one ormore desired properties; the testing of the effect and/or effectivenessof specific treatments, such as treatments of the plants or plantspecimens with fertilizers and/or pesticides. However, otherapplications of the present invention are possible.

RELATED ART

As a general practice in several agricultural and horticulturalapplications, plant cultivation is initiated by sowing seeds in highdensity arrays, preferably rows, arranged e.g. in dedicated plastictrays or containers with soil or an inert substrate or a liquid nutrientsolution formulation. At a given time after germination suitableseedlings may be selected for transplantation onto their destinationcontainers.

In automated systems this selection is efficiently done by means ofcamera systems. If the plant shape allows top view distinction betweenhealthy and unhealthy plantlets, or between plantlets characterized bycontrasting morphological features, state of the art camera systems maybe used. WO 2004/068934 A2 discloses a process for breeding plants,comprising growing plants of a species in an array of containers chargedwith growing medium of uniform characteristics in an environment ofcontrolled climatic conditions with controlled supply of nutrients andfeed water. The process further comprises a changing of the positions ofthe containers within the environment as required to insure at leastsubstantially uniform exposure of all plants in the containers toconditions in the environment. The process further comprises the step ofselecting plants for further breeding for commercial use by comparingthe phenotypic characteristics of the plants.

Similarly, EP 1 433 377 A1 discloses an apparatus suitable for use inconjunction with a container in which one or more plants are growing andhaving associated with it a device for receiving an enquiry signal andautomatically responding by transmitting a unique identifier signal. Theapparatus comprises transporter means by which a container may besupported for moving the container, means for transmitting the enquirysignal, means for recording the identifier signal as a digital outputand computer means to which the digital output is supplied for storageof the data in prescribed format in a database for manipulation toafford comparison of data related to the container. As a preferredapparatus, an imaging device is disclosed which comprises two digitalcameras disposed one above another and focused on a position occupied bya plant delivered to a rotatable work support in a form of a circular.Parts containing plants to be imaged may be delivered to a belt conveyorand transferred one by one to a belt conveyor by operation of a pickingdevice. The picking device is operated to push the pot and its plantfrom the belt conveyor onto the circular plate and the plate rotatesthrough 360 degrees.

Further, WO 2006/029987 A1 provides a method comprising growing a plantin a substantially transparent container charged with a particulate,non-transparent growing medium; and evaluating plant roots through saidtransparent container by digital imaging. An apparatus for evaluatingplant roots in a high throughput manner is also provided. Anillustrative apparatus comprises a camera placed below a water-basinrecording pictures of the bottom surface of pots.

Similarly, WO 2007/093444 A1 discloses a method and an apparatus todetermine the start of flowering in plants. More specifically, theinvention concerns a method for determining the start of flowering on anindividual plant basis by measuring the reproductive structures ofplants from digital images of these structures and deducing the start offlowering from the measurements and average growth rates. The inventionalso concerns apparatus for determining the start of flowering inplants, particularly in a high-throughput manner.

In WO 2010/031780 A1, an invention is published which relates generallyto an improved plant breeding system. More particularly, this inventionrelates to a method for automated, high throughput analysis of plantphenotype and plant genotype in a breeding program. The inventiondiscloses a method comprising imaging one or more characteristics of theplant while the plant is being moved through an imaging system. Theimaging system comprises one or more high speed and/or high resolutioncameras.

A critical aspect of plant imaging systems of related art is the abilityto turn the plant to capture images from several different angles.Systems exist which turn plants around on a fixed turntable while beingphotographed, some systems provide several cameras for photographingplants at different angles. Methods for turning plants during imagingand imaging systems comprising one or more high speed and/or highresolution cameras are known.

DE 199 60 044 A 1 discloses an inspection device with a camera having ahigh focal length for generating an image of an object consisting ofnearly parallel rays. The inspection device comprises at least onedeflection device. In the inspection device, several systems consistingof video cameras with adequate deflection devices may be arranged, withdiffering directions of view.

In WO 2010/031780 A1 a method for analyzing the impact of geneticmodifications on plants and selecting a plant with a geneticmodification of interest is published. The method comprises providing aplurality of plants growing under controlled environmental conditions.It also comprises analyzing images for one or more characteristic of theplant. The one or more characteristic may comprise one or more of anobservable physical manifestation of the plant, e.g. water use, oreffects of disease, pests, and/or stress.

Further, WO 2006/029987 A1 discloses an apparatus for evaluating plantroots. Several plants, or each plant, may carry a unique identifierallowing information concerning those individual plants to be linked totheir unique identifier in a computer. Preferably, the identifier is atransponder.

WO 93/13491 A1 provides a process and an arrangement for optical qualitycontrol and/or classification of plants. An electronic color cameratakes a picture of a plant from above and an electronic half-tone cameratakes a picture of the plant from the side. In order to prevent mutualimpairment of the images and their evaluation, each camera is preferablyso constructed that it is sensitive to light from a light sourceallocated to the other one and/or by causing a control circuit to switchthe two light sources on alternately and trigger the pictures taken ofthe plant by each camera at a time at which only the light sourceallocated to the camera is switched on.

In DE 10 2005 050 302 A1 a method and a device for determining, in acontact-free manner, the current nutritional state of a plant and forprocessing said information in relation to fertilizer recommendations ispublished. At least one digital image from one part of the plant iscaptured by means of an image capturing system. The image capturingsystem comprises a conventional digital camera whereon a bracket issecured, which supports at least one small reference surface which canbe displayed on the edge of the image, and a computer is provided as animage evaluation system which is connected to the digital camera inorder to transfer the images.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,545 A discloses a video imaging plant managementsystem which provides a light source to a plant being analyzed, detectsinfrared fluorescence emissions from the plant under the light, resolvesthe plant fluorescence emission over time, and calculates thefluorescence emission decay time from peak to steady state values toprovide data indicative of the plant health.

Problem to be Solved

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a deviceand methods which at least partially avoid the disadvantages andshortcomings of the systems and methods known from the prior art.Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide adevice and methods which enable monitoring and screening grass-likeseedlings, which often only contain one fine leaf. Taking pictures fromabove does not really make sense as one would only get a small spotwithout information on the length, width, color or curling of the leaf.It is therefore a further objective of the present invention to providea device and methods for screening plants, especially grass-like plants,cultivated in high-density growth. As in grass-like plants, seedlingsbeing thin erect objects, top views are not useful for this kind ofplant specimens, because only a very small part of the object isvisible. The present invention developed an imaging system, where evengrass-like seedlings can be monitored, screened and/or selected fromhigh-density arrays.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

This problem is solved by the device and the methods as claimed in theindependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention which may berealized in an isolated way or in arbitrary combination, are disclosedin the dependent claims.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a screening device forscreening at least one plant specimen in a plurality of plant specimensis disclosed. The screening device may be a single apparatus or maycomprise a number of two or more apparatuses, which may be arranged in acentralized or de-centralized way. In case the screening devicecomprises more than one apparatus, the apparatuses may at leastpartially be interconnected by mechanical and/or electronical means ormay at least partially function in an isolated way.

As used in the present specification, the term comprising or grammaticalvariations thereof, such as the term comprise, are to be taken tospecify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or componentsor groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.The same applies to the term having or grammatical variations thereof,which is used as a synonym to the term comprising.

The term plant specimen may comprise complete plants or parts of plants,like leaves. It furthermore may comprise plants or parts of plants indifferent growing states, preferably plant specimen may stand for aseedling, preferably for monocots, e.g. for rice that would be from 0-2weeks after seeding or for grass. The screening device comprises one ormore detectors adapted for acquiring spatially resolved images. In apreferred embodiment, the screening device, which may also be referredto as a screening system, comprises precisely one detector adapted foracquiring the spatially resolved images. However, screening systemscomprising more than one detector are generally feasible. Preferably,the detector is designed as a top-view detector, the top-view detectorbeing adapted for viewing the plant specimen and/or the plurality ofplant specimens and/or a group of plant specimens from above, e.g. withan essentially vertical viewing direction or viewing axis, such as aviewing direction or viewing axis deviating from a vertical direction byno more than 20°, preferably by no more than 10°, more preferably by nomore than 5° or even running exactly in a vertical direction.

The term image, as used in the present invention, may imply any type ofimages, preferably two-dimensional images. The images may be opticalimages. The images may comprise transmission images and/or shadow imagesand/or reflection images. The images may be generated by detecting anemission signal, e.g. a fluorescence and/or phosphorescence signal.Thus, the images may be generated by chlorophyll fluorescencemeasurements and/or selectable marker fluorescence measurements. Thesignal which may be used to generate an image may be discrete in time ormay be a continuous signal. Other types of images are possible.

The screening device further comprises one or more selection devicesadapted for selecting a single plant specimen or a group of plantspecimens from the plurality of plant specimens for imaging by thedetector. Preferably, the screening device comprises precisely oneselection device. However, screening devices having more than oneselection device are generally feasible. The term selecting a singleplant specimen or a group of plant specimens may imply a simple focusingon a single plant specimen or a group of plant specimens from theplurality of plant specimens. The selection device comprises one or moredeflection devices adapted for deflecting electromagnetic wavespropagating between the plant specimens and the detector. Preferably,the selection device comprises precisely one deflection device, e.g. onesingle mirror. However, other embodiments including more than onedeflection device are generally feasible, such as embodiments includinga plurality of mirrors. As outlined above, the deflection devicepreferably is designed for supporting a top-view detector. Thus,preferably, the deflection device is adapted for deflectingelectromagnetic waves, such as light, travelling in an essentiallyhorizontal direction into an essentially vertical direction or viceversa. Therein, with regard to the term “essentially”, reference may bemade to the definition above, such that deviations from the horizontaldirection or the vertical direction, respectively, by no more than 20°are still tolerable, preferably deviations by no more than 10° or, evenmore preferably, deviations by no more than 5° or, most preferably, nodeviations at all.

Preferably, the selection device, preferably by an appropriate designand/or orientation of the deflection device, is adapted to create a sideview of the plant specimen, the group of plant specimen or the pluralityof plant specimen. This embodiment may be realized by implementing theoption feature discussed above, i.e. the feature of the deflectiondevice being adapted for deflecting electromagnetic waves travelling inan essentially horizontal direction into an essentially verticaldirection or vice versa. Thus, the selection device preferably may bedesigned as a side-view device generating a side view of a selectedplant specimen or a selected group of plant specimens, wherein thedeflection device is adapted to allow for acquiring the side view by thedetector which, preferably, is designed as a top-view detector. Thus,the detector and the selection device may, in combination, be adaptedsuch that spatially resolved images of a side view of the selected plantspecimen or the selected group of plant specimens may be acquired byusing the top-view detector. The latter implies several advantages indaily practice of plant screening. Thus, specifically in high-throughputscreening systems, the use of a top-view detector for generating bothside views and/or top views of the plant specimens lowers the designrestrictions regarding a motion system and/or of the arrangement of theplant specimens in the plurality of the plant specimens. Thus, eventwo-dimensional arrangements of plant specimens may be screened, even ata high density of the plant specimens, by avoiding the problem of acollision or direct contact of the detector and the plant specimens.Still, side view images of the plant specimens arranged in atwo-dimensional arrangement may be acquired, providing valuablescreening information, as opposed to a top view arrangement.

The term deflecting electromagnetic waves may comprise a reflecting ofelectromagnetic waves and/or a change of the propagation direction ofthe electromagnetic waves, especially of the wave fronts of theelectromagnetic waves.

The term electromagnetic waves may comprise light in the visible range,infrared and near-infrared light. It may comprise monochromatic light aswell as a broad spectrum of light and it may comprise incoherent lightas well as coherent light. Other types of electromagnetic waves are alsopossible.

The screening device further may comprise at least one plant containercontaining a plurality of plant specimens or a plurality of plantcontainers containing at least one plant specimen, preferably the plantspecimens growing in rows.

The term plant container, as used in the present invention, may implyany type of container which is suited to at least partially hold agrowing medium and/or a plant or a plant specimen, such as by providinga mechanical support and/or a casing, which fully or partially surroundsthe growing medium and/or the plant or plant specimen. The plantcontainers may be of arbitrary shape and may be selected from the groupcontaining pots, bowls, cups, trays or any other shape. Basically, theplant containers may at least partially surround a growing medium or mayeven be part of the growing medium itself. Thus, the growing medium atleast partially may be solidified, in order to provide a mechanicalprotection and in order to prevent from disintegrating. Thus, the plantcontainer may comprise an outer layer of the growing medium, which issolidified, whereas a further part of the growing medium is at leastpartially comprised in this outer layer. Preferably, a plant containermay be cut into several areas. The different areas may be connected,e.g. fluidly connected, or may be completely separated. Preferably, theplant specimens may grow in rows. The term rows may comprisehigh-density arrays. Each plant container may comprise at least one rowof plant specimens. The row of plant specimens may essentially beperpendicular or parallel to a transport direction of a motion systemfor providing a relative motion between the plant containers and thedetector. The plant container may contain at least one growing medium,e.g. a soil, an inert substrate, a transparent substrate, preferablyearth or a liquid nutrient solution formulation. Each plant containermay comprise at least one growing medium and at least one plantspecimen, preferably a plurality of plant specimens. Other types ofplant containers and growing mediums are possible.

The detector may comprise a detector sensitive for at least one type ofrays. Preferably, the detector may comprise a detector forelectromagnetic waves and more preferably a detector for light in atleast one spectral wave length region selected from a visible, aninfrared and ultraviolet wavelength region and most preferably a camera.The camera may be a digital camera, preferably with spatial and/or timeresolution. The term detector further may comprise a detection system,comprising at least one optical element being chosen from: a mirror, alens, a telescope, a microscope, an iris, a filter, an electro opticalcomponent, a magneto optical component and a birefringent element. Othertypes of detectors may be possible.

The selection device may be adapted to successively select differentsingle plant specimens or groups of plant specimens from the pluralityof plant specimens for imaging by the detector. The selection device mayalso be adapted to successively select all plant specimens from theplurality of plant specimens. A group of plant specimens e.g. maycomprise at least one single plant specimen or a row of plant specimens.A single plant specimen may comprise a complete plant or parts ofplants, like leafs, flowers, roots or stamps. A group of plant specimensmay comprise complete plants and/or parts of plants which are notcovered by the growing medium and/or parts of plants which are coveredby the growing medium.

The detector may comprise at least one image-sensitive detector element,preferably at least one sensor chip having an at least two-dimensionalarray of radiation-sensitive elements and more preferably a CCD-chipand/or a CMOS-chip.

The deflection device may comprise at least one optical element selectedfrom the group consisting of a mirror and a prism. The deflection devicemay be a device being able to deflect electromagnetic waves, e.g. light.The term “deflect” may comprise that the direction of theelectromagnetic waves, e.g. the direction of propagation of theelectromagnetic waves, may be changed. Thus, any material suitable forchanging the direction of the electromagnetic waves may be suitable,e.g. as deflection device. The deflection device may be a device beingable to change the direction of propagation of at least a part ofelectromagnetic waves, e.g. by reflection and/or refraction and/ordiffraction and/or deflection. The term mirror may comprise at least oneoptical mirror, at least one coated mirror and/or at least one uncoatedmirror for reflecting infrared and/or near-infrared radiation and/orpreferably for reflecting light in a visible range. The optical elementmay preferably be spatially controllable, e.g. by a device for changingan angle and/or a position of the optical element and/or the deflectiondevice, e.g. by an automatically adjustable mirror and/or anautomatically adjustable prism, preferably by using an automated motor.The deflection device may further comprise at least one additionaloptical element, like a lens, a telescope, a microscope, a filter, aniris, a glass plate, a birefringent element, an acousto optical element,a magneto optical element or an additional light source like a lamp or alaser.

The screening device may be adapted to create at least one side viewimage by using the deflection device. The term side view image, as usedin the present invention may imply any type of image, as describedabove. Preferably, a side view image may be a similar image as an imageif you would take a picture, preferably directly, e.g. without using thedeflection device, from the side, preferably perpendicular on the plantspecimen, preferably perpendicular on the plant seedling. The termperpendicular may comprise an angle between 65° and 115°, preferablybetween 75° and 105° and most preferably an angle between 80° and 100°.The side view image may be preferably an image showing the completelength of the plant specimen, especially of the seedling, which meansthe image may show the complete seedling with roots or without roots.The side view image should preferably be not too much distorted. Theopposite of a side view image would be a top view image or a bottom viewimage, which may be taken additionally.

The detector may comprise at least one top view camera. A top viewcamera may be characterized by an image plane of the camera which may beparallel to the growing medium in the plant containers. The termparallel may comprise an angle smaller than 50°, smaller than 20° andmost preferably under an angle smaller than 5°.

The screening device may be adapted to simultaneously acquire at leasttwo images of the single plant specimen or of the group of plantspecimens from at least two different perspectives.

The term simultaneously, as used in the present invention, may imply atime delay smaller 5 seconds, particularly a time delay smaller 2seconds, specifically a time delay smaller 1 second or even a time delaysmaller 500 ms, or 200 ms, or 100 ms. As used in the present invention,the expression from at least two different perspectives may refer toimages from different imaging directions. For simultaneously acquiringat least two images of the single plant specimen or of the group ofplant specimens from at least two different perspectives, the detectormay be used. Preferably, one and the same detector may be used foracquiring the at least two images, e.g. one camera, imaging on the sameCCD-chip or CMOS-chip.

The embodiment of the screening device, in cooperation with thedetector, preferably the top-view detector, being adapted tosimultaneously acquire at least two images of the single plant specimenor of the group of plant specimens from at least two differentperspectives, is specifically advantageous in the field ofhigh-throughput screening. Thus, as outlined above, one and the samedetector may be used for acquiring images from at least two differentperspectives, such as from a top view perspective and from a side viewperspective, simultaneously. Specifically when using two-dimensionalarrays or two-dimensional arrangements of plant specimens, a top-viewdetector may be used for simultaneously acquiring a top view image and aside view image of a plant specimen or group of plant specimens selectedby the selection device. Therein, the top view detector specifically mayreduce the risk of a collision or unwanted contact of the detector andone or more of the plant specimens and/or may increase the freedom ofdesign regarding an optional motion system of the screening device,specifically for the purpose of two-dimensional positioning of the plantspecimens.

The deflection device may be adapted to create or to be used forcreating at least one first image of the single plant specimen or of thegroup of plant specimens from at least one first perspective with thedetector. The screening device may be adapted to simultaneously furthercreate at least one second image from at least one second perspectivewith the detector. In particular, the image may be divided in at leasttwo regions. One region may comprise the first image and the otherregion may comprise the second image. The deflection device further maybe adapted to create more than two different images simultaneously fromdifferent perspectives, e.g. by using more than one mirror and/or morethan one prism or by changing an angle of the mirror and/or of theprism, e.g. quickly, preferably within less than 10 s, most preferablywithin less than 1 s to get several images from different perspectivescombined with a top view image.

The images may comprise at least one first image created by using thedeflection device and at least one second image comprising a direct viewof the single plant specimen or the group of plant specimens.Particularly, the first image may be a side view image. The term directview, as used in the present invention, may imply a view withoutredirection by a deflection device, e.g. a top view.

The screening device may be adapted to create at least one side viewimage by using the deflection device and further at least one of a topview image and a bottom view image. The bottom view image may begenerated by a bottom view by using a transparent plant container, e.g.a transparent tray, and/or a transparent growing medium, such that rootsmay be imaged. In this way, most preferably three-dimensional imagingmay be possible. The transparent plant container may comprise an opticalfilter element to prevent the transmission of light with wavelengthwhich may support the growth of algae.

The screening device may comprise at least one shielding element. Theshielding element may be adapted to create a background for at least oneof the images. Furthermore, the shielding element may be adapted toprevent background radiation from entering and/or to select the singleplant specimen or the group of plant specimens. The shielding elementmay comprise at least one optical screen, preferably a black backgroundfor blocking at least a part of the background light. The shieldingelement may partially block the electromagnetic waves propagatingbetween the plant specimens and the detector or may at least partiallyblock electromagnetic waves propagating between the selected singleplant specimen and/or the selected group of plant specimens from theplurality of plant specimens.

The screening device may either be adapted to effect a relative movementof the selection device and the selected single plant specimen or theselected group of plant specimens. As used herein, the term relativemovement may refer to a movement of the selection device or partsthereof, wherein the selected single plant specimen or the selectedgroup of plant specimens stands still, or vice versa. Alternatively,both elements, i.e. the selection device or parts thereof and theselected single plant specimen or the selected group of plant specimensboth may perform a movement. Similarly, the term transport direction mayrefer to a direction of the relative movement as defined above.Preferably, the selected single plant specimen or the selected group ofplant specimens is moved through a gap between the deflection device andthe shielding element.

The selection device further may comprise at least one motion system.The motion system may be adapted to adjust a relative positioning of thedetector, the deflection device and the plurality of plant specimens forselecting the single plant specimen or the group of plant specimens. Asused in the present invention, the expression adjusting a relativepositioning may refer to a continuous or discontinuous, e.g. stepwise,relative positioning. The plant container may be stationary and thedetector and/or the deflection device may move, or the plant containermay move and the detector and the deflection device may be stationary,or all may move. The images may be taken while moving or while beingstationary.

The motion system may comprise a motion stage. The motion stage may beadapted to continuously or discontinuously, e.g. stepwise, move at leastparts of the screening device.

The motion system may further be adapted to subsequently transport theplurality of plant specimens and/or a plurality of plant containers toand from at least one screening station, wherein the screening stationmay comprise the detector. The screening station may comprise ascreening position, which may or may not be part of the motion system orwhich may be connected to the motion system, in order to allow for asuccessive motion of the detector, and/or the deflection device and/orthe plurality of plant specimens and/or the plant specimen and/or thegroup of plant specimens. More than one screening station may beprovided. As used herein, the term “screening position” denotes aposition and/or apparatus of the system, in which or by which at leastone image may be taken. However, other types of functionality may becomprised in the screening station, such as control means and/orrecording means and/or computer means or other types of functionality orcombinations thereof.

The motion system may comprise at least one of: a transport belt; aconveyor system, preferably a belt conveyor and/or a roller conveyor.The motion system may comprise a closed loop system. The closed loopsystem may be adapted for repeatedly transporting all containers intothe screening station. As used herein, the expression closed loop systemmay refer to a motion system being capable of transporting a pluralityof plant containers in a predetermined order and/or the transport systemmay be capable of repeatedly and successively transporting the plantcontainers into the screening station in the predetermined order. Thus,preferably, the motion system may comprise a motion circle of arbitraryshape. The motion circle may be capable of repeatedly transporting eachplant container to the screening station by using a first section of themotion circle and transporting the plant container from the screeningstation by using a second section of the motion circle. The secondsection may be connected to the first section, preferably outside thescreening station. However, other motion systems may be possible, suchas motion systems using one or more robots or other motion apparatusesfor transporting the detector and/or the deflection device and/or theplurality of plant specimens and/or the plant containers into thescreening station.

The motion system may be adapted to generate a relative motion of thedetector and the plurality of plant specimens in a transport direction,wherein the screening device is adapted to acquire at least one imageessentially perpendicular to the transport direction and/orperpendicular to a plane of the growing medium. Herein, the plane of thegrowing medium is a plane which is parallel to the surface of thegrowing medium. Herein, the expression essentially perpendicular to thetransport direction refers to a situation in which an optical axis ofthe imaging and the transport direction define an angle of 60° to 120°,preferably 80° to 100° and more preferably 85° to 95° or even 90°.Similarly, the expression essentially perpendicular to the plane of thegrowing medium refers to a situation in which the optical axis of theimaging deviates from an orientation perpendicular to the plane of thegrowing medium by no more than 30°, preferably by no more than 20°, morepreferably by no more than 10° or no more than 5°, and wherein, mostpreferably, the optical axis of the imaging is perpendicular to theplane of the growing medium.

In an alternative embodiment, the motion system may be adapted togenerate a relative motion of the detector and the plurality of plantspecimens, e.g. in a transport direction, wherein the screening deviceis adapted to acquire at least one image essentially parallel to thetransport direction. The term parallel, as used in the presentinvention, generally may imply an angle between the imaging direction,the direction in which the image may be acquired, and the transportdirection, between +/−30°, preferably between +/−10° and most preferablyan angle of 0°.

The deflection device may comprise at least one reflective surface beingessentially parallel to the transport direction and/or to the group ofplant specimens to be imaged, such as to one or more rows of plantspecimens. The term essentially parallel may, according to the presentinvention, be referred to an angle between the reflective surface andthe transport direction and/or the group of plant specimens between+/−30°, preferably between +/−10° and most preferably an angle of 0°.

In an alternative embodiment, the deflection device may comprise atleast one reflective surface being essentially perpendicular to thetransport direction and/or to the group of plant specimens to be imaged,such as to one or more rows of plant specimens. The term essentiallyperpendicular may, according to the present invention, be referred to anangle between the reflective surface and the transport direction and/orthe group of plant specimens between 120° and 60°, preferably between100° and 80° and most preferably the angle may be 90°.

The screening device may comprise at least one reader. The reader may beadapted to read at least one information from at least one identifier.The motion system may be designed to adjust a relative position betweenthe reader and the identifier. The at least one identifier maypreferably be at least one contactless identifier and more preferably atleast one contactless electronic identifier, most preferably at leastone RFID (Radio-frequency identification). The identifier may beassigned to a single plant specimen or a group of plant specimens.Preferably, the identifier may be or may comprise one or more of thefollowing identifiers: a barcode; a contactless electronic identifier,i.e. an identifier comprising at least one piece of information, whichmay be read from the identifier, preferably without any physical contactbetween a reading mechanism, preferably a reader, and the identifier,most preferably the identifier may be at least one radio frequencyidentification tag (RFID tag). However, alternatively or additionally,other types of identifiers are possible. Each plant container and/oreach row and/or each single plant specimen and/or each group of plantspecimens may comprise one or more identifiers. The at least oneidentifier may for example be comprised in the plant containers, or infront of the plant containers, such as by integrating the identifierinto a material of the plant containers and/or on a surface of the plantcontainers, preferably on an outer surface, and/or by integrating theidentifier in an interior space of the plant containers, such as byimplementing the identifiers into the growing medium inside the plantcontainers and/or by implementing the identifiers onto or into theplants contained in the plant containers. The information may be asimple identification, e.g. a number of plant specimens and/or of a rowand/or growth conditions. Alternatively or additionally, other types ofimplementation of the identifiers into the plant containers and/or thegroup of plant specimens and/or the single plant specimen may bepossible. In general, the at least one identifier not necessarily has tobe in physical contact with the plant container and/or the plantspecimen, but should be assigned to a respective plant container and/orthe group of plant specimens and/or the single plant specimen in anyunambiguous way.

The screening device may comprise at least one image analysis device.The image analysis device may be adapted to perform at least one imageanalysis of at least one of the images, preferably the image analysisdevice may be adapted to generate at least one growth parameter of thesingle plant specimen or the group of plant specimens. The imageanalysis device furthermore may be adapted to extract individual plantspecimen data, e.g. seedling data, e.g. plant height and/or leaf widthand/or leaf area and/or leaf color and/or root length and/or root widthand/or root colors and/or root branching and/or other characteristics ofthe leafs and/or the roots and/or other plant specimens and/or resonancefrequencies.

The image analysis device may be adapted to generate at least one growthparameter of the single plant specimen or the group of plant specimens.The term generate according to the present invention may refer toderiving e.g. from the image analysis. The image analysis device may useone or more physical principles, in order to measure the at least onegrowth parameter of the plant specimens. One or more growth parametersmay be derived, which may comprise at least one condition, e.g. at leastone growth condition, e.g. humidity and/or light intensity and/ortemperature and/or air composition and/or growing medium composition. Atleast one measuring moment may be required to evaluate the evolution ofa certain growth parameter. The growth parameter may be derived, such asone or more color parameters and/or a projected area and/or a volume ofthe plant specimen or the group of plant specimens and/or a rootprojected area and/or a root volume of the plant specimen or the groupof plant specimens and/or a plant specimen's height and/or a biomass ofthe plant specimen or the group of plant specimens and/or a combinationof the named and/or other parameters. The volume of the plant specimenand/or the root volume e.g. may be derived or approximated by using atleast the first image and the second image.

The screening device further may have at least one database forrecording data regarding the plant specimens. The data preferably may beat least one of the following: at least one image of the single plantspecimen or of the group of plant specimens; at least one growthparameter derived from at least one image of the single plant specimenor of the group of plant specimens; information from the identifier. Thedatabase may comprise one type of suitable storage device, as a functionof time and/or as a function of a plant specimen or a group of plantspecimens. As outlined above, the at least one growth parameter maycomprise one or more parameters characterizing the growth of the plantspecimen or the group of plant specimens. The at least one growthparameter may preferably be chosen from: a height of the plant specimen;a width of the plant specimen; a color parameter or color parameters ofthe plant specimen; a number of leafs; at least one structure of theplant specimen; a presence of flowers in the plant specimen; a parametercharacterizing the volume of the biomarkers of the plant specimen; aparameter characterizing the biochemical content of the plant specimenand/or the growing medium inside the plant container; a parametercharacterizing the root growth in the plant specimen. However, othertypes of parameters and/or combinations of the named parameters and/orother parameters may be possible.

The screening device may be adapted to repeatedly acquire images of eachsingle plant specimen or of each group of plant specimens, preferablywith a time delay in between each acquiring. The time delay may be atime delay smaller than 1 month, preferably a time delay smaller than 1week, more preferably smaller than 2 days, e.g. smaller than 1 day, orsmaller than 1 hour, e.g. for a growth control time delays of 1 to 2days may be useful, for testing herbicides or other chemical agents timedelays of 1 to 3 hours may be useful.

The screening device furthermore may comprise a control system which maybe adapted to control and/or to drive the image analysis device and/orthe reader and/or the selection device and/or the motion system and/orthe detector and/or the database and/or a power supply. The controlsystem may comprise a computer and electrical and/or signal connectors,preferably electrical lines and interfaces.

The detector may be the top view camera, wherein the top view camera andthe deflection device, preferably only one deflection device, e.g. asingle mirror, may be adapted for selecting the single plant specimen orthe group of plant specimens from the plurality of plant specimens. Theselection device may comprise the deflection device, e.g. the singlemirror. The deflection device may be adapted for being used to take atleast the side view image by imaging the plant specimens. Mostpreferably, the screening device may be adapted for being used to takethe side view image and the top view image, e.g. simultaneously,preferably by using one and the same detector and/or one and the samedeflection device, e.g. one and the same mirror. Thus, preferably onlythe top view camera and the deflection device may be used for making aselection. At least the side view image may be taken when imaging theplant specimens, e.g. the plants, by use of this one deflection device.

The top view image may be generated by collecting electromagnetic waves,e.g. light, being emitted and/or reflected from the single plantspecimen or the group of plant specimens directly, by using thedetector. Preferably, the top view of the plant specimen and/or at leastone side of the plant specimen may be imaged directly. The side viewimage may be generated by collecting electromagnetic waves, e.g. light,being emitted and/or reflected from a side of the single plant specimenor the group of plant specimens by using the deflection device, e.g. thesingle mirror, and the detector. The two images, preferably the top viewimage and the side view image, may be captured by one single shot of thedetector, e.g. by one single shot of the camera. The two imagespreferably may appear on the detector and/or on the sensor chip, e.g.next to each other. The output of the screening device may comprise thetop view image and/or the side view image. The output of the screeningdevice may comprise the electromagnetic waves generating the images,e.g. the top view image and/or the side view image. The screening devicemay be adapted for acquiring more than one spatially resolved image,e.g. from different perspectives, e.g. the side view image and the topview image, by only one shot of the detector, preferably simultaneously.The shot of the detector may be an event of the detector and/or a stepin a method of acquiring the images by the detector. The shot maycomprise exposing the detector and/or the sensor chip, e.g. the CCD-chipand/or the CMOS chip, to the electromagnetic waves, preferably to thelight. The shot may comprise a triggering of a shutter release. The shotmay comprise opening at least one shutter. The shutter may be comprisedby the detector. The shutter may also be separated from the detector.The shutter may be a device which may be adapted to switch between twostates of the detector, wherein the detector may not be able to take animage in one state, e.g. a state wherein the shutter is closed and/oroff, wherein in the other state the detector may be able to take atleast one image, e.g. comprising the side view image and the top viewimage, or e.g. taking two images one after the other, e.g. first theside view image and then the top view image, wherein in this state theshutter may be opened and/or on. The shutter may comprise at least oneelectronic shutter and/or at least one mechanical shutter. Theelectronic shutter may be a device, which may turn on and/or off thesensor chip. The mechanical shutter may be a device, which may remove adevice blocking the electromagnetic waves before reaching the detectorand/or the sensor chip. The shot may comprise at least one read-outand/or at least one storage process and/or at least one informationtransfer process. The shot may be started by at least one triggeringsignal, e.g. a triggering signal provided by the computer. The shot maystart by opening the shutter and the shot may be finished by closing theshutter. The image, most preferably comprising the side view imageand/or the top view image, may be taken by using the detector during oneshot of the detector. The top view image may be taken directly and theside view image may be taken by using the deflection device, e.g. themirror. The deflection device and/or the detector may be adapted to bemoved between the plurality of plant specimens and/or the single plantspecimen and/or the group of plant specimens and/or between and/or overthe plant container, e.g. by using at least a part of the motion system.In general, the screening device may comprise more than one deflectiondevice and/or more than one detector and/or more than one selectiondevice.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for screening atleast one plant specimen in a plurality of plant specimens is disclosed.In the methods for screening at least one plant specimen in a pluralityof plant specimens, preferably the screening device described above isused, wherein at least one detector is used. The detector acquiresspatially resolved images. Further, at least one selection device isused. The selection device selects a single plant specimen or a group ofplant specimens from the plurality of plant specimens for imaging by thedetector. The selection device comprises at least one deflection device.The deflection device deflects electromagnetic waves propagating betweenthe plant specimens and the detector. The deflection device is used forsaid imaging by the detector. The detector may acquire at least oneimage by use of the deflection device.

With regard to potential embodiments of the method according to thepresent invention, reference may be made to the above-mentionedscreening device for screening at least one plant specimen in aplurality of plant specimens. Thus, the method for screening at leastone plant specimen according to the present invention may be performedby using a screening device according to the present invention. Thus,reference may be made to the embodiments and definitions disclosedabove. However, other types of systems may be used.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a tracking method fortracking growth conditions of a plurality of plant specimens isdisclosed. A plurality of plant specimens are growing in growing mediumin at least one plant container, alternatively, a plurality of plantcontainers comprise at least one plant specimen growing in growingmedium. The method for screening at least one plant specimen in aplurality of plant specimens as described above is used for screeningthe plant specimens. At least one growth parameter is derived from theimages. Preferably, for each single plant specimen or each group ofplant specimens one growth parameter is derived from the images. Thegrowth parameter is stored in a database. The growth parameterpreferably is stored in a database as a function of time and/or as afunction of the single plant specimen or as a function of the group ofplant specimens and/or as a function of the row and/or as a function ofthe plant container.

Thus, as used herein, the term tracking method for tracking growthconditions may be referred to a method, which, in addition to simplymonitoring the growth conditions, may make use of at least one database,in order to generate a tracking record of e.g. a growth parameter ineach plant container, such as for later comparison of the growingresults with the tracking record of the growing conditions. The termmonitoring, as used herein, refers to observing one or more relevantparameters, such as by measuring or observing these parameters on aregular or irregular basis and/or at predetermined points in time. Theterm recording, as used herein, refers to the activity of monitoring oneor more parameters and to store the results of the monitoring in a datastorage.

Further, in addition to the at least one growth parameter measurement,e.g. derived from an image for each single plant specimen or each groupof plant specimens, the database may contain further information. Thus,as outlined above, the growth parameter in each plant container and/orin each group of plant specimens may be stored as a function of timeand/or as a function of plant specimen and/or plant container and/or arow and/or a group of plant specimens. Additionally or alternatively,the at least one database may comprise further data. At least one growthparameter is derived from the images, preferably for each single plantspecimen or group of plant specimens, wherein the growth parameter isstored in a database, preferably as a function of time and/or as afunction of the single plant specimen or group of plant specimens and/oras a function of the row and/or as a function of the plant container.With regard to potential growth parameters, reference may be made to thedisclosure of potential growth parameters as listed above.

Besides simply recording data, the tracking method may further compriseone or more steps of evaluating the data or part of the data comprisedin the at least one database. Thus, the tracking method may furthercomprise at least one method step in which, by comparing the growthparameters of the single plant specimen or of the group of plantspecimens, e.g. an optimum of a certain growth parameter may be derived.

Further, additionally or alternatively to one or more evaluation steps,the tracking method may comprise one or more testing steps, in which thereaction of the plant specimens to specific growing conditions, e.g.stress conditions, may be tested, e.g. for analyzing stress resistance.

As used herein, the term stress resistance of growing plant specimensrefers to a degree of capability of specific plant specimens ofcontinuing their growing process in a more or less unaffected waydespite of deviating, e.g. detrimental, growing conditions, such asreduced or lack of water, salty water, salty growing medium, reduced orlack of nutrients, non-optimum ambient temperatures, an effect of fungiand/or use of fungicides and/or effect of insects and/or use ofinsecticides and/or temperature treatments and/or chemicals and/or lightand/or nutritional levels or combinations thereof. Thus, the term stressrefers to non-optimum growing conditions, such as one or more of thenon-optimum growing conditions mentioned before.

For example, a drought test and/or drought condition test and/or a wateruse efficiency test may be performed in which a variety of plantspecimens may be subjected to a lack or reduced amount of water over aperiod of time, wherein the plant specimens' reaction to the lack ofwater may be recorded and/or monitored. The drought test and/or droughtcondition test may comprise one or more steps. Further, the trackingmethod may comprise at least one step wherein a drought resistanceand/or water use efficiency of the plant specimens is monitored and/orrecorded. Thus, again, one or more growth parameters and/or the timedevelopment of this at least one growth parameter may be recorded and/orevaluated, in order to qualify and/or quantify the plant specimensreaction to the lack of water or reduced amount of water. In the sameway, a nutrient, e.g. nitrogen, use efficiency test may be performed inwhich a variety of plant specimens may be subjected to a lack or reducedamount of nutrients over a period of time, wherein the plant specimens'reaction to the lack of nutrient may be recorded. Further in the sameway, salt stress or cold or heat stress may be tested.

As an example, a greenness index may be used and may be recorded over aperiod of time, during which the drought test and/or water useefficiency test or alternatively a nitrogen use efficiency test or othertest may be performed, and the greenness index and/or the timedevelopment of the greenness index may be used to qualify and/orquantify the plant specimens reaction to the drought test and/or wateruse efficiency test. Within this drought test and/or water useefficiency test, the plurality of plant specimens may comprise aplurality of plant specimens, which are subjected to the same droughttest and/or water use efficiency test, or, alternatively oradditionally, a plurality of plants specimens of the same type may besubjected to different types of drought tests and/or water useefficiency tests, such as by subjecting the variety of plant specimensof the same type to a lack or reduced amount of water to a differentdegree, in order to evaluate the sensitivity of the plant specimensreaction to the lack or reduced amount of water. Other types of droughttests and/or water use efficiency tests are possible and known to theskilled person.

A drought resistance and/or water use efficiency of the plant specimensmay be evaluated and/or monitored. Thus, such as by evaluating specificgrowth parameters, e.g. the greenness index, the resistance of the plantspecimens to a lack of water or reduced amount of water may be comparedand/or evaluated qualitatively and/or quantitatively. By comparing theadded amount of liquid with the plants drought resistance, the water useefficiency of the plant specimens may be monitored.

The screening device according to the present invention, describedabove, may be used in a method for breeding plant specimens. The methodmay comprise the steps of growing a plurality of plant specimens of atleast one species in at least one plant container. The plant specimensmay be successively transported to and from the screening station by themotion system. The screening station may comprise the detector.Optionally, at least two images of the plant specimens from at least twodifferent perspectives may be acquired simultaneously by using thedetector. At least one growth parameter of the plant specimens in thescreening station may be derived from the images. As used herein, theterm breeding refers to any type of reproduction of plants, includingthe selection of plants or plant specimens with specific desiredcharacteristics for propagation. Further, the term plant breeding maycomprise more complex techniques, such as the selection of at least onespecific phenotypic and/or genotypic characteristic, such as byevaluating specific plant parameters and/or growth parameters and/orgenetic characteristics. In addition to the selection of specific plantsor plant specimens, the breeding may comprise one or more other steps,such as the steps of generating seedlings of selected single plantspecimen or the selected group of plant specimens.

The term “breeding” as used herein, refers to the study of the effect ofgenetic variation and/or varying conditions on phenotype and preferablyis not directed to the actual step of sexual crossing and selecting.

The method for breeding plants according to the present invention maycomprise at least one plant container, preferably a tray, which may becharged with growing medium of uniform characteristics. As used herein,the term uniform characteristics refers to growing media in differentplant containers, which are identical as far as possible with commontechniques, such as growing media which are taken from the same supplyof a growing medium. Thus, at least macroscopically and, morepreferably, chemically, the growing conditions provided by the growingmedia in different plant containers may be identical at least to thepoint of experimental uncertainty. Within the method for breedingplants, the plant containers may be successively transported to and froma screening station by at least one motion system, such as by using thesystem as disclosed above.

Within the method for breeding plant specimens, the plant containers maybe successively transported to and from a screening station by at leastone motion system, such as by using the screening device as disclosedabove.

Further, the method for breeding plants according to the presentinvention may comprise a growing of the plurality of plant specimens inan environment of controlled climatic conditions, with controlled supplyof liquid and changing the positions of the plant specimens within theenvironment as required to ensure at least substantially uniformexposure of all plant specimens to conditions in the environment. Themethod further may comprise the step of selecting plant specimens forfurther breeding or for commercial use by comparing phenotypiccharacteristics of the plant specimens.

The term environment of controlled climatic conditions, as used herein,may refer to an environment of the plant containers in which at leastone climatic parameter may be adjusted to one or more specific,predetermined values. Thus, the environment of controlled climaticconditions may comprise an environment, in which the ambient temperatureis adjusted to at least one predetermined temperature, which may bestatic or may be subjected to a time development. The control maycomprise a control to a specific temperature value within anexperimental uncertainty of less than 1° Kelvin or less, such as to 0.5°Kelvin. The controlled climatic conditions may comprise a regulation ofthe climatic conditions, such as by using at least one controller orregulator, in order to regulate the climatic conditions to at least onepredetermined value.

Further, as used herein, the term controlled supply of liquid may referto the fact that a supply of liquid to each plant container is performedin a predetermined way, such as by using the system according to thepresent invention in one or more of the embodiments disclosed above.Thus, the controlled supply of liquid may comprise a predetermined rateof liquid supply to each plant container. Thus, as outlined above, oneor more watering stations may be used in order to control the supply ofliquid.

Further, the method for breeding plant specimens according to thepresent invention may comprise a changing of the positions of the plantcontainers within the environment as acquired to ensure at leastsubstantially uniform exposure of all plants in a plant container toconditions in the environment. In other words, in case there are Npotential positions of the plant containers in the environment, themethod is performed in such a way that the amount of time spent inposition E, with E=1 to N, is substantially equal for all plantcontainers, which, preferably, means that the variation in between thecontainers is less than 1 h, preferably less than 10 min and morepreferably less than 1 min. However, the amount of time each plantcontainer is positioned in the potential positions may vary in betweendifferent positions.

Again, this changing of positions may be performed by using a systemaccording to the present invention and as disclosed in one or more ofthe embodiments above. Preferably, at least one motion system is used.By using this method, variations of the growing conditions of the plantsin the plant containers which are due to different locations in theenvironment may be reduced to a minimum. The method for breeding plantspecimens according to the present invention further may comprise thestep of selecting plant specimens for further breeding or for commercialuse by comparing the phenotypic characteristics of the plant specimens.As used herein, the term phenotypic characteristics refers to at leastone observable characteristic or trait of the plant specimen, such as atleast one morphological parameter or a time development of the at leastone morphological parameter. Thus, the at least one phenotypiccharacteristic which may be used for comparison of the plants maycomprise one or more of the growth parameters and/or one or more of themorphological parameters and/or the time development of theseparameters, such as one or more of the growth parameters and/or one ormore of the morphological parameters and/or one or more resistances,such as the resistance to at least one drought test, or reduced nutrientavailability.

In a further aspect of the present invention, use of the screeningdevice in a method for improved growing of plant specimens forphenotyping, for selecting the most desired phenotypes based on genotypescoring, is disclosed. As used herein, the term phenotyping refers tothe monitoring of one or more phenotypic characteristics of plantspecimens. Further, as used herein, the term genotype refers to agenetic constitution of the plant specimens. The term phenotypic scoringrefers to a qualitative or quantitative comparison of the results of thephenotyping as disclosed above, such as to a qualitative and/orquantitative comparison of one or more phenotypic characteristics. Thisscoring may be performed on a quantitative scale, such as by using atleast two classes for classifying the phenotypic characteristics of theplant specimens.

The method for improved growing of plant specimens for phenotyping usesthe screening device according to the present invention, as describedabove, wherein the method comprises successively transporting the plantspecimens to and from the screening station by the motion system,wherein the screening station comprises the detector. The detector maymake one image using the deflection device. Optionally, at least twoimages of the plant specimens from at least two different perspectivesmay be acquired simultaneously by using the detector. At least onegrowth parameter of the plant specimens in a screening station may bederived from the images. The method further comprises the step ofcontrolling at least one growth condition of the plant specimens.

The method for improved growing of plant specimens for phenotyping mayfurther comprise displacing the plant specimens automatically duringtheir growing cycle so as to avoid extended exposure to a particularmicroenvironment. Thus, reference may be made to the method for breedingplant specimens as disclosed above and to the at least one step ofchanging the positions of the plant containers of this method.Specifically, a screening device according to the present invention maybe used, which comprises one or more motion systems and/or one or moretransport systems. Thus, reference may be made to the embodimentsdisclosed above.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for rapidanalysis of stress resistance of growing plant specimens is disclosed.

As used herein and as discussed above, the term stress resistance ofgrowing plant specimens may refer to a degree of capability of specificplant specimens of continuing their growing process in a more or lessunaffected way despite of deviating, e.g. detrimental, growingconditions, such as reduced or lack of water, salty water, salty growingmedium, reduced or lack of nutrients, non-optimum ambient temperatures,an effect of fungi and/or use of fungicides and/or effect of insectsand/or use of insecticides and/or temperature treatments and/orchemicals and/or light and/or nutritional levels or combinationsthereof. Thus, the term stress refers to non-optimum growing conditions,such as one or more of the non-optimum growing conditions mentionedbefore.

The term rapid analysis refers to a quantitative and/or qualitativeevaluation of the stress resistance of at least one growing plantspecimen, preferably the comparison of stress resistances of differenttypes of growing plant specimens, on a short time scale, such as on atime scale comprising no more than 5 growing cycles, preferably no morethan 2 or most preferably no more than 1 growing cycle or even less,such as a time scale of 5 months or less, preferably 3 months or less oreven 1 month or less. The term “growing cycle” refers to a biologicalprocess in plant specimens recurring within characteristic time scales,preferably periodically, e.g. starting from germination, plant growth,fertilization and ending with seed production. A growing cycle maycomprise at least one further growing cycle. The growing cycle and/orthe characteristic time scale may be influenced by light intensityand/or temperature. A growing cycle may be e.g. characterized by acircadian rhythm. The method for rapid analysis of stress resistance ofgrowing plant specimens uses the screening device according to thepresent invention and comprises: growing the plant specimens understress conditions; successively transporting the plant specimens to andfrom a screening station by a motion system, wherein the screeningstation comprises the detector. The detector may make one image usingthe deflection device. Optionally, at least two images of the plantspecimens from at least two different perspectives may be acquiredsimultaneously by using the detector. The method further comprises thestep of deriving at least one growth parameter of the plant specimens inthe screening station from the images; and analyzing the stressresistance of the plant specimens based on the growth parameter.

As outlined above, the stress conditions may comprise any type ofnon-optimum growing conditions or combinations thereof.

The screening device, the use of the screening device and methodsaccording to the present invention may e.g. be very useful for testingtransgenic plants for the effect of a specific gene or gene combinationwhich is over- or underexpressed or even knocked down. On the otherhand, the screening device and methods may be used to evaluate stressresistance, such as a resistance against a drought stress and/or saltstress and/or any other type of stress or deviating growing condition,e.g. as described above.

Further, additionally or alternatively, water use efficiency or anyother characteristics of the plants may be evaluated. Stress resistancemeasurements may be based on humidity measurements, such as by using thewell-known fact that a plant specimen, which uses less water and, thus,evaporates less water, typically is in a worse physical condition than aplant specimen using more water.

Summarizing the ideas of the present invention, the followingembodiments are preferred:

Embodiment 1

A screening device for screening at least one plant specimen in aplurality of plant specimens, the screening device comprising a detectoradapted for acquiring spatially resolved images, the screening devicefurther comprising a selection device adapted for selecting a singleplant specimen or a group of plant specimens from the plurality of plantspecimens for imaging by the detector, the selection device comprisingat least one deflection device adapted for deflecting electromagneticwaves propagating between the plant specimens and the detector.

Embodiment 2

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments, thescreening device further comprising at least one plant containercontaining a plurality of plant specimens or a plurality of plantcontainers containing at least one plant specimen, preferably the plantspecimens growing in rows.

Embodiment 3

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the detector comprises a detector sensitive for at least onetype of rays, preferably a detector for electromagnetic waves and morepreferably a detector for light in at least one spectral wavelengthregion selected from a visible, an infrared and ultraviolet wavelengthregion and most preferably a camera.

Embodiment 4

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the selection device is adapted to successively select differentsingle plant specimens or groups of plant specimens from the pluralityof plant specimens for imaging by the detector.

Embodiment 5

The screening device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein theselection device is adapted to successively select all plant specimensfrom the plurality of plant specimens.

Embodiment 6

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the detector comprises at least one image-sensitive detectorelement, preferably at least one sensor chip having an at least2-dimensional array of radiation-sensitive elements and more preferablya CCD-chip and/or CMOS-chip.

Embodiment 7

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the deflection device comprises at least one optical elementselected from the group consisting of a mirror and a prism.

Embodiment 8

The screening device according to the preceding claim, wherein thedeflection device comprises at least one reflective surface beingessentially parallel to a transport direction of the plant specimensand/or parallel to the group of plant specimens, preferably parallel toa row of plant specimens.

Embodiment 9

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the screening device is adapted to be used for creating at leastone side view image by using the deflection device.

Embodiment 10

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the detector comprises at least one top view camera.

Embodiment 11

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the screening device is adapted to simultaneously acquire atleast two images of the single plant specimen or of the group of plantspecimens from at least two different perspectives by using thedetector.

Embodiment 12

The screening device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein oneand the same detector is used for acquiring the at least two images,preferably by imaging the at least two images onto one and the sameimage-sensitive detector element, such as one and the same CCD-chipand/or CMOS-chip.

Embodiment 13

The screening device according to one of the two preceding embodiments,wherein the deflection device is adapted to be used for creating atleast one first image of the single plant specimen or of the group ofplant specimens from at least one first perspective with the detector,wherein the screening device is adapted to simultaneously further createat least one second image from at least one second perspective with thedetector.

Embodiment 14

The screening device according to one of the two preceding embodiments,wherein the images comprise at least one first image created by usingthe deflection device and at least one second image comprising a directview of the single plant specimen or the group of plant specimens.

Embodiment 15

The screening device according to one of the three precedingembodiments, wherein the screening device is adapted to create at leastone side view image by using the deflection device and further at leastone of a top view image and a bottom view image.

Embodiment 16

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments, thescreening device comprising at least one shielding element, theshielding element being adapted to create a background for at least oneof the images.

Embodiment 17

Screening device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein thescreening device is adapted to effect a relative movement of theselection device and the selected single plant specimen or the selectedgroup of plant specimens, preferably by using at least one motion systemand/or by using at least one motion stage, wherein the selected singleplant specimen or the selected group of plant specimens are movedthrough a gap between the deflection device and the shielding element.

Embodiment 18

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments, theselection device further comprising at least one motion system, themotion system being adapted to adjust a relative positioning of thedetector, the deflection device and the plurality of plant specimens forselecting the single plant specimen or the group of plant specimens.

Embodiment 19

The screening device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein themotion system comprises a motion stage.

Embodiment 20

The screening device according to one of the two preceding embodiments,wherein the motion system is adapted to subsequently transport theplurality of plant specimens and/or a plurality of plant containers toand from at least one screening station, wherein the screening stationcomprises the detector.

Embodiment 21

The screening device according to one of the three precedingembodiments, wherein the motion system comprises at least one of: atransport belt; a conveyor system, preferably a belt conveyor and/or aroller conveyor.

Embodiment 22

The screening device according to one of the four preceding embodiments,wherein the motion system comprises a closed loop system.

Embodiment 23

The screening device according to one of the five preceding embodiments,wherein the motion system is adapted to generate a relative motion ofthe detector and the plurality of plant specimens in a transportdirection, wherein the screening device is adapted to acquire at leastone image essentially perpendicular to the transport direction.

Embodiment 24

The screening device according to the preceding embodiment, thedeflection device comprising at least one reflective surface beingessentially parallel to the transport direction and/or parallel to thegroup of plant specimens, preferably parallel to a row of plantspecimens.

Embodiment 25

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the screening device comprises at least one reader, wherein thereader is adapted to read at least one information from at least oneidentifier, preferably at least one contactless identifier and morepreferably at least one contactless electronic identifier, mostpreferably at least one RFID, the identifier being assigned to thesingle plant specimen or to the group of plant specimens.

Embodiment 26

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments, thescreening device comprising at least one image analysis device, theimage analysis device being adapted to perform at least one imageanalysis of at least one of the images, preferably the image analysisdevice is adapted to generate at least one growth parameter of thesingle plant specimen or the group of plant specimens.

Embodiment 27

The screening device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein theimage analysis device is adapted to generate at least one growthparameter of the single plant specimen or the group of plant specimens.

Embodiment 28

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments, thescreening device further having at least one database for recording dataregarding the plant specimens, preferably at least one of the following:at least one image of the single plant specimen or of the group of plantspecimens; at least one growth parameter derived from at least one imageof the single plant specimen or of the group of plant specimens;information from at least one identifier.

Embodiment 29

The screening device according to one of the preceding embodiments, thescreening device being adapted to repeatedly acquire images of eachsingle plant specimen or of each group of plant specimens, preferablywith a time delay in between each acquiring.

Embodiment 30

A method for screening at least one plant specimen in a plurality ofplant specimens, preferably by using the screening device according tothe preceding embodiments, wherein at least one detector is used,wherein the detector acquires spatially resolved images, wherein furtherat least one selection device is used, wherein the selection deviceselects a single plant specimen or a group of plant specimens from theplurality of plant specimens for imaging by the detector, wherein theselection device comprises at least one deflection device, wherein thedeflection device deflects electromagnetic waves propagating between theplant specimens and the detector, and wherein the deflection device isused for said imaging by the detector.

Embodiment 31

A tracking method for tracking growth conditions of a plurality of plantspecimens, wherein a plurality of plant specimens are growing in growingmedium in at least one plant container, alternatively, a plurality ofplant containers comprise at least one plant specimen growing in growingmedium, wherein the method according to the preceding method embodimentis used for screening the plant specimens, wherein at least one growthparameter is derived from the images, preferably for each single plantspecimen or group of plant specimens, wherein the growth parameter isstored in a database, preferably as a function of time and/or as afunction of the single plant specimen or group of plant specimens and/oras a function of the row and/or as a function of a plant container.

Embodiment 32

The tracking method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein adrought test and/or a water use efficiency test is performed in which avariety of plant specimens is subjected to a lack or reduced amount ofwater over a period of time, wherein the plant specimens' reaction tothe lack of water is recorded and/or monitored.

Embodiment 33

The tracking method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein adrought resistance and/or water use efficiency of the plant specimens ismonitored and/or recorded.

Embodiment 34

A method for breeding plant specimens, the method using the screeningdevice according to one of the preceding embodiments referring to ascreening device, the method comprising the steps of growing a pluralityof plant specimens of at least one species in at least one plantcontainer, wherein the plant specimens are successively transported toand from a screening station by a motion system, wherein the screeningstation comprises the detector, wherein the detector is used for takingat least one image of the plant specimens, preferably at least one imageof each plant specimen, and more preferably at least two images of theplant specimens or at least two images of each plant specimen.

Embodiment 35

The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein at least twoimages of the plant specimens from at least two different perspectivesare acquired simultaneously by using the detector, wherein at least onegrowth parameter of the plant specimens in the screening station isderived from the images.

Embodiment 36

The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the at leastone plant container is charged with growing medium of uniformcharacteristics.

Embodiment 37

The method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, whereinthe plurality of plant specimens growing in an environment of controlledclimatic conditions, with controlled supply of liquid and changing thepositions of the plant specimens within the environment as required toensure at least substantially uniform exposure of all plant specimens toconditions in the environment, and the method further comprising thestep of selecting plant specimens for further breeding or for commercialuse by comparing phenotypic characteristics of the plant specimens.

Embodiment 38

Use of the screening device according to one of the precedingembodiments referring to a screening device, in a method for improvedgrowing of plant specimens for phenotyping, for selecting the mostdesired genotypes based on phenotype scoring, the method comprising:

-   -   displacing the plant specimens automatically during their        growing cycle so as to avoid extended exposure to a particular        micro-environment;    -   successively transporting the plant specimens to and from a        screening station by a motion system, wherein the screening        station comprises the detector, wherein at least one growth        parameter of the plant specimens in the screening station is        derived from the images; and    -   controlling at least one growth condition of the plant        specimens.

Embodiment 39

Use according to the preceding embodiment, the method further comprisingdisplacing the plant specimens automatically during their growing cycleso as to avoid extended exposure to a particular micro environment.

Embodiment 40

Use according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein at leasttwo images of the plant specimens from at least two differentperspectives are acquired simultaneously by using the detector.

Embodiment 41

A method for rapid analysis of stress resistance of growing plantspecimens, the method using the screening device according to one of thepreceding embodiments referring to a screening device, the methodcomprising:

-   -   growing the plant specimens under stress conditions;    -   successively transporting the plant specimens to and from a        screening station by a motion system, wherein the screening        station comprises the detector, wherein at least one growth        parameter of the plant specimens in the screening station is        derived from the images; and    -   analyzing the stress resistance of the plant specimens based on        the growth parameter.

Embodiment 42

The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein at least twoimages of the plant specimens from at least two different perspectivesare acquired simultaneously by using the detector.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following, further potential details and features of theinvention are disclosed in view of examples, preferably in connectionwith the dependent claims. The features disclosed in the examples and/orin the preferred embodiments may be realized in an isolated way or inany arbitrary combination. The invention is not restricted to thepreferred embodiments and/or the examples. The examples are depicted ina figure in a schematic way. Identical reference numbers in the figuresrefer to identical, similar or functionally identical elements.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a screening device for screening atleast one plant specimen in a plurality of plant specimens; and

FIG. 1B shows a side view of a part of the screening device according toFIG. 1A; and

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a plant container of the screeningdevice according to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

EXAMPLES

In FIGS. 1A and 1B an example of a screening device 110 for screening atleast one plant specimen 112 in a plurality of plant specimens 114 isdepicted. The screening device 110 comprises at least one detector 116adapted for acquiring spatially resolved images 117. The screeningdevice 110 further comprises at least one selection device 118 adaptedfor selecting a single plant specimen 120 or a group of plant specimens122 from the plurality of plant specimens 114 for imaging by thedetector 116. The selection device 118 comprises at least one deflectiondevice 124 adapted for deflecting electromagnetic waves propagatingbetween the plant specimens 112 and the detector 116.

The screening device 110 further may comprise at least one plantcontainer 126 containing a plurality of plant specimens 114, preferablythe plant specimens 112 growing in rows 128, or a plurality of plantcontainers 126 containing at least one plant specimen 112. FIG. 1A showsa screening device 110 for screening at least one plant specimen 112 ina plurality of plant specimens 114. FIG. 1C particularly shows a plantcontainer 126, preferably a tray. Plant specimens 112, preferably plantshaving grass-like seedlings, like rice, may be germinated in plantcontainers 126, preferably trays, and sown in rows 128, preferably inlines, or rows arrays leaving sufficient space between these rows 128.The plant container 126 may be divided in small areas, e.g. in alattice-like structure, preferably with one square for each plantspecimen 112. In this example the small areas may be used to separatethe plant specimens 112, e.g. to fluidly separate the plant specimens112.

The detector 116 may be a detector 116 sensitive for at least one typeof rays, preferably a detector 116 for electromagnetic waves and morepreferably a detector 116 for light in at least one spectral wavelengthregion selected from: a visible region; an infrared and ultravioletwavelength region. The detector 116 most preferably may be a camera 129.The detector 116, preferably the camera 129, may be a conventionaloptical camera 129 operating in a visible range, but may also be, butnot limited to, an infrared, an near-infrared, a fluorescence, oranother type of camera 129.

The selection device 118 may be adapted to successively select differentsingle plant specimens 120 or groups of plant specimens 122 from theplurality of plant specimens 114 for imaging by the detector 116.

The selection device 118 may be adapted to successively select all plantspecimens 112 from the plurality of plant specimens 114. In the exampleof the present invention described here, a single plant specimen 120 ora group of plant specimens 122, e.g. a row 128, from the plurality ofplant specimens 114 may be selected for imaging by the detector 116.

The detector 116 may comprise at least one image-sensitive detectorelement 130, preferably at least one sensor chip 132 having an at leasttwo-dimensional array of radiation-sensitive elements and morepreferably a CCD-chip and/or a CMOS chip.

The detector 116 may comprise at least one top view camera 138.

The deflection device 124 may comprise at least one optical element 134selected from the group consisting of a mirror 136 and a prism. Thespace between the rows 128, preferably between lines, may be sufficientto allow the deflection device 124 and/or the optical element 134,preferably an optical mirror 136, to be inserted between the rows 128.

The screening device 110 may be adapted to create at least one side viewimage 152 by using the deflection device 124.

The screening device 110 may be adapted to simultaneously acquire atleast two images 117 of the single plant specimen 120 or of the group ofplant specimens 122 from at least two different perspectives, indicatedin FIG. 1B by two arrows 140, by using the detector 116. Each row 128 isimaged by inserting the deflection device 124, preferably the mirror136, parallel to the row 128 of plant specimen 112, preferablyseedlings, such that at least one image 117, preferably at least oneside view image 152, in particular one reflected image 117, is withinthe camera view, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The deflection device 124may be adapted to be used for creating at least one first image 146 ofthe single plant specimen 120 or of the group of plant specimens 122from at least one first perspective 148 with the detector 116. Further,the screening device 110 may be adapted to simultaneously further createat least one second image 142 from at least one second perspective 144with the detector 116.

The images 117 may comprise at least one first image 146 created byusing the deflection device 124 and at least one second image 142comprising a direct view 150 of the single plant specimen 120 or thegroup of plant specimens 122. The angle of the optical element 134,preferably of the mirror 136, may determine the area available forimaging. Preferably, two images 117 from two different perspectives,preferably two different views, may be obvious to the detector 116,preferably to the top view camera 138. The two views may comprise a sideview and a top view resulting in a side view image 152 and/or a top viewimage 154. Thus, a side view image 152 and a top view image 154 mayallow more plant specimens 112 to be imaged, preferably from a firstperspective 148 and a second perspective 144.

The screening device 110 may be adapted to create at least one side viewimage 152 by using the deflection device 124 and further at least one ofa top view image 154 and optionally a bottom view image. The plantcontainer 126 may comprise at least one growing medium 156. If thegrowing medium 156 is transparent, roots may be imaged, preferably suchas in vertical plates cultivation systems. If the plant container 126 istransparent, the roots can be imaged as described in WO2006/029987,which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

The screening device 110 may comprise at least one shielding element158. The shielding element 158 may be adapted to create a background 160for at least one of the images 117.

The screening device 110 may either be adapted to transport the selectedsingle plant specimen 120 or the selected group of plant specimens 122to the deflection device 124 or may be adapted to transport thedeflection device 124 between the selected single plant specimen 120 ora selected group of plant specimens 122.

In an alternative example, the screening device 110 may either beadapted to transport the selected single plant specimen 120 or theselected group of plant specimens 122 between the deflection device 124and the shielding element 158 or may be adapted to transport thedeflection device 124 and the shielding element 158 between the selectedsingle plant specimen 120 or a selected group of plant specimens 122.

The selection device 118 may further comprise at least one motion system162. The motion system 162 may be adapted to adjust a relativepositioning of the detector 116, the deflection device 124, andpreferably the shielding element 158, and the plurality of plantspecimens 114 for selecting the single plant specimen 120 or the groupof plant specimens 122.

Furthermore, the plant specimen 112, preferably seedlings, may beselected for imaging, e.g. for imaging by the detector 116, and/or forfurther breeding, e.g. for transplantation onto their destinationcontainers, e.g. from high-density arrays. Therefore, the plantcontainer 126, preferably the tray, may be inserted into an apparatus,preferably a motion system 162. The motion system 162 may move the plantcontainer 126 or the plant containers 126 under the detector 116,preferably under a digital camera 129.

The motion system 162 may comprise a motion stage 164.

The motion system 162 may be adapted to subsequently transport theplurality of plant specimens 114 and/or a plurality of plant containers126 or at least one plant container 126 to and from at least onescreening station 166, wherein the screening station 166 may comprisethe detector 116. An image 117, preferably a picture, may be taken andanalyzed once the deflection device 124, preferably the mirror 136, maybe in place, preferably at the screening station 166, and the identityof the plant specimen 112, 120 may be detected, e.g. by reading anidentifier 176, as described below, or by analyzing the image. After oneimage 117 may be taken, the deflection device 124, preferably the atleast one mirror 136, may be retracted and the plant container 126,preferably the tray, may be moved to another position, such that e.g.the next row 128 may be imaged.

The motion system 162 may comprise at least one of: a transport belt; aconveyor system, preferably a belt conveyor and/or a roller conveyor.Further, the motion system 162 may comprise a closed loop system, whichis not shown in the figures. The motion system 162 may be adapted togenerate a relative motion of the detector 116 and the plurality ofplant specimens 114 in a transport direction 168. The screening device110 may be adapted to acquire at least one image 117 essentiallyperpendicular to the transport direction 168. The term essentiallyperpendicular may comprise an angle between the imaging direction 170,the direction in which the image 117 may be acquired, and the transportdirection 168. This angle may be between 120° and 60°, preferablybetween 100° and 80° and most preferably the angle may be 90°.

The deflection device 124 may comprise at least one reflective surface172 being essentially parallel to the group of plant specimens 122, tobe imaged. The term essentially parallel may refer to an angle betweenthe reflective surface 172 and the group of plant specimens 122,preferably a row 128. This angle may be between +/−30°, preferablybetween +/−10° and most preferably this angle may be 0°.

The screening device 110 may comprise at least one reader 174, in theexample shown in FIG. 1A preferably two readers 174, wherein the reader174 may be adapted to read at least one information from at least oneidentifier 176. The identifier 176 may be at least one contactlessidentifier 176 and more preferably at least one contactless electronicidentifier 176, most preferably at least one RFID. The identifier 176may be assigned to the single plant specimen 120 or to the group ofplant specimens 122, most preferably to the plant container 126,preferably a tray, and/or to each row 128, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG.10. Each plant container 126, preferably each tray, each single plantspecimen 120 and/or each group of plant specimens 122 and/or each row128 may be identified by means of barcodes, RFID transponders or othercontact-less means of identification. The motion system 162 may bedesigned to adjust a relative position between the reader 174 and theidentifier 176.

The screening device 110 may comprise at least one image analysis device178. The image analysis device 178 may be adapted to perform at leastone image analysis of at least one of the images 117, preferably theimage analysis device may be adapted to generate at least one growthparameter of the single plant specimen 120 or the group of plantspecimens 122. In the example of the present invention as shown in FIG.1A, the image analysis device 178 preferably may be an automatic imageanalysis device 178 to perform an automatic image analysis to extract asingle plant specimen 120 and/or a group of plant specimens 122,preferably an individual seedling data, like a plant height, and/or aleaf width, and/or a leaf area, and/or a leaf color and/or a rootbranching and/or resonance frequencies and/or any other information.Preferably, the image analysis device 178 may allow to calculate aproper selection data.

The image analysis device 178 may further be adapted to generate atleast one growth parameter of the single plant specimen 120 and/or ofthe group of plant specimens 122, preferably of the seedling(s). Theimage analysis device 178 may be implemented in a computer 180, whichmay be provided with an image analysis software. One may be able tofacilitate the extraction of target pixels, preferably by using theimage analysis software.

The screening device 110 further may have at least one database 182 forrecording data regarding the plant specimen 112. The data may preferablybe at least one of the following: at least one image 117 of the singleplant specimen 120 or of the group of plant specimens 122; at least onegrowth parameter derived from at least one image 117 of the single plantspecimen 120 or of the group of plant specimens 122; information from atleast one identifier 176.

The screening device 110 may be adapted to repeatedly acquire images 117of each single plant specimen 120 or of each group of plant specimens122, preferably with a time delay in between each acquiring. Thus, ifthe plant specimens 112, preferably the plantlets, are imaged more thanonce in time, a plant growth rate and/or a time course or other plantphenotypic traits such as individual seedling data and/or plant heightand/or leaf width and/or leaf area and/or leaf color and/or rootbranching may be automatically calculated from two or more consecutiveimages 117.

Further, the screening device 110 may comprise additional detectors 116,like a finger camera 184, e.g. for taking side view images 152 oroverview images of the screening device 110, preferably for controllingthe screening. The screening device 110 may be surrounded by a housing186.

The detector 116 may be the top view camera 138, wherein the top viewcamera 138 and the deflection device 124, preferably only one deflectiondevice 124, e.g. a single mirror 136, may be adapted for selecting thesingle plant specimen 120 or the group of plant specimens 122 from theplurality of plant specimens 114. The selection device 118 may comprisethe deflection device 124, e.g. the single mirror 136. The deflectiondevice 124 may be adapted for being used to take at least the side viewimage 152 by imaging the plant specimens 112. Most preferably, thescreening device 110 may be adapted for being used to take the side viewimage 152 and the top view image 154, e.g. simultaneously, preferably byusing one and the same detector 116 and/or one and the same deflectiondevice 124, e.g. one and the same mirror 136. Thus, preferably only thetop view camera 138 and the deflection device 124 may be used for makinga selection. At least the side view image 152 may be taken when imagingthe plant specimens 112, e.g. the plants, by use of this one deflectiondevice 124.

The top view image 154 may be generated by collecting electromagneticwaves, e.g. light, being emitted and/or reflected from the single plantspecimen 120 or the group of plant specimens 122 directly, by using thedetector 110, and preferably by not using the deflection device 124.Preferably, the top view of the plant specimen 120 and/or at least oneside of the plant specimen 120 may be imaged directly. The side viewimage 152 may be generated by collecting electromagnetic waves, e.g.light, being emitted and/or reflected from a side of the single plantspecimen 120 or the group of plant specimens 122 by using the deflectiondevice 124, e.g. the single mirror 136, and the detector 110. The twoimages 117, preferably the top view image 154 and the side view image152, may be captured by one single shot of the detector 116, e.g. by onesingle shot of the camera 129. The two images 117 preferably may appearon the detector 116 and/or on the sensor chip 132, e.g. next to eachother. The output of the screening device 110 may comprise the top viewimage 154 and/or the side view image 152. The output of the screeningdevice 110 may comprise the electromagnetic waves generating the images117, e.g. the top view image 154 and/or the side view image 152. Thescreening device 110 may be adapted for acquiring more than onespatially resolved image 117, e.g. from different perspectives, e.g. theside view image 152 and the top view image 154, by only one shot of thedetector 116, preferably simultaneously. The shot of the detector 116may be an event of the detector 116 and/or a step in a method ofacquiring the images 117 by the detector 116. The shot may compriseexposing the detector 116 and/or the sensor chip 132, e.g. the CCD-chipand/or the CMOS chip, to the electromagnetic waves, preferably to thelight. The shot may comprise a triggering of a shutter release. The shotmay comprise opening at least one shutter. The shutter may be comprisedby the detector 116. The shutter may also be separated from the detector116. The shutter may be a device which may be adapted to switch betweentwo states of the detector 116, wherein the detector 116 may not be ableto take an image in one state, e.g. a state wherein the shutter isclosed and/or off, wherein in the other state the detector 116 may beable to take at least one image 117, e.g. comprising the side view image152 and the top view image 154, or e.g. taking two images 117 one afterthe other, e.g. first the side view image 152 and then the top viewimage 154, wherein in this state the shutter may be opened and/or on.The shutter may comprise at least one electronic shutter and/or at leastone mechanical shutter. The electronic shutter may be a device, whichmay turn on and/or off the sensor chip 132. The mechanical shutter maybe a device, which may remove a device blocking the electromagneticwaves before reaching the detector 116 and/or the sensor chip 132. Theshot may comprise at least one read-out and/or at least one storageprocess and/or at least one information transfer process. The shot maybe started by at least one triggering signal, e.g. a triggering signalprovided by the computer 180. The shot may start by opening the shutterand the shot may be finished by closing the shutter. The image 117, mostpreferably comprising the side view image 152 and/or the top view image154, may be taken by using the detector 116 during one shot of thedetector 116. The top view image 154 may be taken directly and the sideview image 152 may be taken by using the deflection device, e.g. themirror. The deflection device 124 and/or the detector 116 may be adaptedto be moved between the plurality of plant specimens 114 and/or thesingle plant specimen 120 and/or the group of plant specimens 122specimens and/or between and/or over the plant container 126, e.g. byusing at least a part of the motion system 162. In general, thescreening device 110 may comprise more than one deflection device 124and/or more than one detector 116 and/or more than one selection device118.

The screening device 110 may further be adapted to perform a method forscreening at least one plant specimen 112 in the plurality of plantspecimens 114, preferably by using the screening device 110, as shown inFIG. 1A and described above. In the method for screening at least oneplant specimen 112, the selection device 118 selects a single plantspecimen 120 or a group of plant specimens 122 from the plurality ofplant specimens 114 for imaging by the detector 116, wherein theselection device 118 may be constructed as described above.

The screening device 110 may further be adapted for performing atracking method for tracking growth conditions of a plurality of plantspecimens 114, wherein a plurality of plant specimens 114 are growing ingrowing medium 156 in at least one plant container 126, alternatively, aplurality of plant containers 126 comprise at least one plant specimen112 growing in growing medium 156, preferably a tray as shown in FIG. 1Aand FIG. 1B and in particular in FIG. 1C. The method is used forscreening plant specimens 112, wherein at least one growth parameter isderived from the images 117, preferably for each single plant specimen120 or for a group of plant specimens 122. The growth parameter may bestored in the database 182, preferably as a function of time and/or as afunction of the single plant specimen 120 or a group of plant specimens122 and/or as a function of the row 128 and/or as a function of theplant container 126. E.g., biometric data may be collected on eachsingle plant specimen 120 or on each group of plant specimens 122,preferably on each seedling, and may be linked to a position of thesingle plant specimen 120 or the group of plant specimens 122 and/or theplant container 126 and/or the position of the seedling and/or theposition on the plant container 126, preferably on the tray, such thatthe biometric data may be used to trigger decisions on any furtheraction taken on the single plant specimen 120 or the group of plantspecimens 122, preferably on an individual seedling. The further actionmay be e.g. a removal or transplantation to another plant container 126and/or a sampling for analysis. Other actions may be possible.

Further, the tracking method may comprise the performance of a droughttest and/or drought condition test and/or a water use efficiency test.Within the drought test and/or drought condition test and/or the wateruse efficiency test a variety of plant specimens 112 may be subjected toa lack or reduced amount of water over a period of time, wherein theplant specimens' 112 reaction to the lack of water may be recordedand/or monitored, preferably recorded on the database 182. A droughtresistance and/or water use efficiency of the plant specimens 112 may berecorded and/or monitored. In an alternative example, the trackingmethod may comprise the performance of a nutrient efficiency test, acold or heat stress test, salty water stress test, or combinationsthereof.

The screening device 110 may further be adapted to support and/orperform a method for breeding plant specimens 112. The method comprisesthe steps of growing a plurality of plant specimens 114 of at least onespecies, preferably a grass-like species, e.g. rice, in at least oneplant container 126. The plant specimens 112 are successfullytransported to and from a screening station 166 by a motion system 162.The screening station 166 comprises the detector 116, wherein at leasttwo images 117 of the plant specimens 112 from at least two differentperspectives, e.g. a first perspective 148 and a second perspective 144,are acquired simultaneously by using the detector 116. At least onegrowth parameter of the plant specimens 112 in the screening station 166is derived from the images 117. The method for breeding plant specimens112 may comprise charging the at least one plant container 126 withgrowing medium 156 of uniform characteristics. A single plant specimen120 or a plurality of plant specimens 114, preferably seeds, may begerminated in appropriate conditions, for a certain time period,allowing them to develop their erect structure.

Further, the single plant specimen 120 or the plurality of plantspecimens 114 may grow in an environment of controlled climaticconditions, with controlled supply of liquid and/or with changing thepositions of the plant specimen 112 within the environment as requiredto ensure at least substantially uniform exposure of all plant specimens112, preferably all pluralities of plant specimens 114, to conditions inthe environment. The method further may comprise the step of selectingplant specimens 112 for further breeding of a commercial use bycomparing phenotypic characteristics of the plant specimens 112.

Further, the screening device 110 may be adapted and/or used to performa use of the screening device 110 in a method for improved growing ofplant specimens 112 for phenotyping, for selecting the most desiredgenotypes based on phenotype scoring. The method uses the screeningdevice 110 according to the present invention, as described above. Themethod comprises: successively transporting the plant specimens 112 toand from a screening station 166 by a motion system 162, wherein thescreening station 166 comprises the detector 116, wherein at least oneimage 117 of the plant specimens 112 from at least one perspective 148is acquired by using the detector 116, preferably at least two images117 of the plant specimens 112 from at least two different perspectives144, 148 are acquired simultaneously by using the detector 116, whereinat least one growth parameter of the plant specimens 112 in thescreening station 166 is derived from the image(s) 117.

The method for improved growing of plant specimens for phenotypingfurther may comprise displacing the plant specimens 112 automaticallyduring their growing cycle so as to avoid extended exposure to aparticular microenvironment.

The screening device 110 may further be adapted for performing a methodfor rapid analysis of stress resistance of growing plant specimens 112.The method uses the screening device 110 according to the presentinvention. The method comprises: growing the plant specimens 112 understress conditions; successfully transporting the plant specimens 112 toand from a screening station 166 by a motion system 162, wherein thescreening station 166 comprises the detector 116, wherein at least animage 117 of the plant specimens 112 from at least one perspective 148is acquired, preferably at least two images 117 of the plant specimens112 from at least two different perspectives 144, 148 are acquiredsimultaneously by using the detector 116, preferably a first perspective148 and a second perspective 144, are acquired simultaneously by usingthe detector 116, wherein at least one growth parameter of the plantspecimens 112 in the screening station 166 is derived from the images117; and analyzing the stress resistance of the plant specimens 112based on a growth parameter.

If a biotic and/or an abiotic treatment may be applied to the plantspecimens 112, the effect of this treatment on e.g. plant growth may beassessed in an automated way. For example, an effect of fungi and/orfungicides and/or insects and/or insecticides and/or temperaturetreatments and/or chemicals and/or light and/or nutritional levels orother stress factors may be analyzed. The impact of the mentioned or notmentioned effects may be investigated with high accuracy at the level ofsingle plant specimens 120 or a group of plant specimens 122, preferablyof individual seedlings.

FIG. 1B shows a part of a screening device 110 according to the presentinvention, in particular a camera setup which may comprise the detector116 and a deflection device 124, preferably a mirror 136. The deflectiondevice 124, preferably the mirror 136 e.g. located between rows 128 ofplant specimens 112, may be tilted, preferably by an angle of a, asshown in FIG. 1B. Further, the shielding element 158, preferably a blackbackground 160, is shown. The shielding element 158 may be used to blocke.g. unwanted objects and/or reflected views.

FIG. 1C shows a picture of a plant container 126, preferably designed asa tray setup, with rows 128, preferably 5 rows 128, of plant specimens112. Each row 128 may be identified by identifiers 176, preferably byrow identifiers 176 and/or barcodes and/or RFIDs.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C shows an exemplary use of the present invention,wherein the side view image 152 is taken by the top view camera 138 byuse of the deflection device 124.

The side view image 152 is used for making phenotypic measurements. Thetop view camera 138 and one deflection device 124, a single mirror 136,are adapted for selecting the single plant specimen 120 or the group ofplant specimens 122 from the plurality of plant specimens 114. Theselection device 118 comprises the deflection device 124, the singlemirror 136. The deflection device 124 is adapted for being used to takethe side view image 152 by imaging the plant specimens 112. Thus, onlythe top view camera 138 and the deflection device 124 is used for makingthe selection. The side view image 152 is generated by collectingelectromagnetic waves, e.g. light, being emitted and/or reflected from aside of the single plant specimen 120 or the group of plant specimens122 by using the deflection device 124, the single mirror 136, and thedetector 110. The deflection device 124 and/or the detector 116 areadapted to be moved between the plurality of plant specimens 114 and/orthe single plant specimen 120 and/or the group of plant specimens 122specimens and/or between and/or over the plant container 126 by using atleast a part of the motion system 162.

Further, FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C shows a further exemplary use of thepresent invention, wherein in addition to the example described above,the camera 129 also takes a top view image 154 next to the side viewimage 152. In this example, the screening device 110 is adapted forbeing used to take the side view image 152 and the top view image 154,e.g. simultaneously, by using one and the same detector 116 and onedeflection device 124, thus, one mirror 136. The top view image 154 isgenerated by collecting electromagnetic waves, e.g. light, being emittedand/or reflected from the single plant specimen 120 or the group ofplant specimens 122 directly, by using the detector 110, and not byusing the deflection device 124. The two images 117 are captured by onesingle shot of the detector 116, e.g. by one single shot of the camera129. The two images 117 appear on the detector 116 and/or on the sensorchip 132, e.g. next to each other. The output of the screening device110 may comprise the top view image 154 and/or the side view image 152.The output of the screening device 110 comprises the electromagneticwaves generating the images 117, e.g. the top view image 154 and/or theside view image 152. The screening device 110 is adapted for acquiringmore than one spatially resolved image 117, e.g. from differentperspectives, e.g. the side view image 152 and the top view image 154,by only one shot of the detector 116, preferably simultaneously. Theshot of the detector 116 is an event of the detector 116 and/or a stepin a method of acquiring the images 117 by the detector 116. The image117, comprising e.g. the side view image 152 and the top view image 154,is taken by using the detector 116 during one shot of the detector 116.The top view image 154 is taken directly and the side view image 152 istaken by using the deflection device 124.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

110 screening device 112 plant specimen 114 plurality of plant specimens116 detector 117 image 118 selection device 120 single plant specimen122 group of plant specimens 124 deflection device 126 plant container128 row 129 camera 130 image-sensitive detector element 132 sensor chip134 optical element 136 mirror 138 top view camera 140 arrows 146 firstimage 148 first perspective 142 second image 144 second perspective 150direct view 152 side view image 154 top view image 156 growing medium158 shielding element 160 background 162 motion system 164 motion stage166 screening station 168 transport direction 170 imaging direction 172reflective surface 174 reader 176 identifier 178 image analysis device180 computer 182 database 184 finger camera 186 housing

We claim:
 1. A screening device for screening at least one plantspecimen in a plurality of plant specimens, said screening devicecomprising a detector adapted for acquiring spatially resolved imagesand a selection device adapted for selecting a group of plant specimensfrom the plurality of plant specimens for imaging by the detector, theselection device being a single deflection device adapted for deflectingelectromagnetic waves propagating between the plant specimens and thedetector, wherein the detector is a top view camera, wherein the topview camera and the deflection device are adapted for selecting thegroup of plant specimens from the plurality of plant specimens, andwherein the screening device is adapted to be used for creating at leastone side view image by using the deflection device.
 2. The screeningdevice of claim 1, further comprising at least one plant containercontaining a plurality of plant specimens or a plurality of plantcontainers containing at least one plant specimen.
 3. The screeningdevice of claim 2, wherein the plant specimens are growing in rows. 4.The screening device of claim 1, wherein the screening device is adaptedto create at least one side view image by using the deflection device.5. The screening device of claim 1, wherein the screening device isadapted to simultaneously acquire at least two images of the singleplant specimen or of the group of plant specimens from at least twodifferent perspectives by using the detector.
 6. The screening device ofclaim 1, wherein the screening device comprises at least one shieldingelement adapted to create a background for at least one of the images.7. The screening device of claim 1, wherein the screening devicecomprises at least one reader adapted to read at least one informationfrom at least one identifier assigned to the single plant specimen or tothe group of plant specimens.
 8. The screening device of claim 7,wherein said at least one identifier is a contactless identifier, acontactless electronic identifier, or a radio-frequency identification(RFID).
 9. The screening device of claim 1, wherein the screening devicecomprises at least one image analysis device adapted to perform at leastone image analysis of at least one of the images.
 10. The screeningdevice of claim 9, wherein the at least one image analysis device isadapted to generate at least one growth parameter of the single plantspecimen or the group of plant specimens.
 11. The screening device ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one database for recording dataregarding the plant specimens.
 12. The screening device of claim 11,wherein the data regarding the plant specimens comprise at least one ofthe following: at least one image of the single plant specimen or of thegroup of plant specimens, at least one growth parameter derived from atleast one image of the single plant specimen or of the group of plantspecimens, and information from at least one identifier.
 13. Thescreening device of claim 1, wherein the screening device is adapted torepeatedly acquire images of each single plant specimen or of each groupof plant specimens.
 14. The screening device of claim 13, wherein theimages of each single plant specimen or of each group of plant specimensare acquired with a time delay in between each acquiring.
 15. A methodfor improved growing of plant specimens for phenotyping, comprisingusing the screening device of claim 1 for selecting the most desiredgenotypes based on phenotype scoring, wherein said method comprises: a)successively transporting the plant specimens to and from a screeningstation by a motion system, wherein the screening station comprises thedetector, wherein at least one growth parameter of the plant specimensin the screening station is derived from the images; and b) controllingat least one growth condition of the plant specimens.
 16. A method forrapid analysis of stress resistance of growing plant specimens using thescreening device of claim 1, wherein said method comprises: a) growingthe plant specimens under stress conditions; b) successivelytransporting the plant specimens to and from a screening station by amotion system, wherein the screening station comprises the detector,wherein at least one growth parameter of the plant specimens in thescreening station is derived from the images; and c) analyzing thestress resistance of the plant specimens based on the growth parameter.17. A method for screening at least one plant specimen in a plurality ofplant specimens using the screening device of claim
 1. 18. A method forscreening at least one plant specimen in a plurality of plant specimens,wherein one detector is used, wherein the detector acquires spatiallyresolved images, wherein further a selection device is used, wherein theselection device selects a group of plant specimens from the pluralityof plant specimens for imaging by the detector, wherein the selectiondevice is a single deflection device, wherein the deflection devicedeflects electromagnetic waves propagating between the plant specimensand the detector, and wherein the deflection device is used for saidimaging by the detector, wherein the detector is a top view camera,wherein the top view camera and the deflection device are adapted forselecting the group of plant specimens from the plurality of plantspecimens, wherein the screening device is used for creating at leastone side view image by using the deflection device.
 19. A trackingmethod for tracking growth conditions of a plurality of plant specimens,wherein a plurality of plant specimens are growing in growing medium inat least one plant container, alternatively, a plurality of plantcontainers comprise at least one plant specimen growing in growingmedium, wherein the method of claim 18 is used for screening the plantspecimens, wherein at least one growth parameter is derived from theimages for each single plant specimen or group of plant specimens,wherein the growth parameter is stored in a database as a function oftime and/or as a function of the single plant specimen or group of plantspecimens and/or as a function of the row and/or as a function of aplant container.
 20. The tracking method of claim 19, wherein a droughttest and/or a water use efficiency test is performed in which a varietyof plant specimens is subjected to a lack or reduced amount of waterover a period of time, wherein the plant specimens' reaction to the lackof water is recorded and/or monitored.